Nationalisation a prime focus at the Middle East HR Summit

Scheduled to be held at the J.W. Marriott Dubai, from 18 to 21 September 2005, the Middle East HR Summit, hosted by IIR, will highlight nationalisation issues such as governmental influence, professional training and private sector awareness.

"The aim of this event is to share best practices, encourage lively debate and review examples of workplace issues - translating these principles to the nationalisation initiative. The Middle East HR Summit sets the stage for the private sector to learn the benefits of a nationalised workforce and participate more fully" said Jackie Wilks, Conference Director, IIR Middle East,

The Summit will be held under the patronage of Tanmia, the central body in charge of managing the emiratisation process in the UAE. Commenting on Tanmia's participation at the HR Summit, Aisha Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Career Guidance and Planning, Tanmia said, "We thoroughly support the Middle East HR Summit. The UAE is a growing corporate hub that requires HR practices to keep pace with progress. The Middle East HR Summit provides this opportunity and is the ideal platform for Tanmia to spread nationalisation awareness."

"The rise in unemployment highlights the role that HR can play in reducing the employment imbalance. An HR department is not only responsible for the selection and recruitment of candidates but also for the development, training, coaching and mentoring of these candidates. This professional development will further both, the employee and the organisation," said Alaa AbdulWahhab, HR Consultant, ASHRM (Arabian Society for Human Resource Management), official supporters of the Summit.

Governmental and nationalisation authorities in the GCC countries are concerned about whether a significant portion of nationals will form a part of the professional work force. Concerns voiced by these GCC members have led them to adopt formal measures to deal with nationalisation through specifically tailored programmes such as Saudisation, Omanisation and Bahrainisation.

"Apart from suggesting guidelines and sharing best practices which we expect companies to take advantage of, we are also heavily involved in counselling the National segment towards professional development and education," said Sultan Al Hajji, Chairman & CEO, Basharia, the Abu Dhabi Human Resources Group that is officially supporting the Middle East HR Summit 2005.

"Nationalisation is a burgeoning issue. An extended process, it requires a restructure of economy and a change in mindset. Although the identity of business is heading toward a singular global market, it is important for countries to be self sufficient and retain their inherent culture and practices," concluded Wilks.